RESC partners with innovative healthcare gamification startup Akina
ETH Zurich’s Competence Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Science (RESC) partners with ETH-spinoff Akina. The startup develops gamification technology that maximizes patient adherence to self-care at home and thereby accelerates patients’ rehabilitation journey.
Akina is on a mission to empower patients during self-care and address the rapidly growing cost of chronic diseases. Their software seamlessly connects therapy with the world’s most popular entertainment content. During years of research at ETH Zurich, NTU Singapore and Harvard Medical School, the founders Florian Haufe and Michele Xiloyannis have learnt about the paramount importance of motivation and real-time feedback during independent rehabilitation. With Akina, they are now taking a novel approach to healthcare gamification that leverages the proven fascination of existing social media, video games and video series to maximize patient adherence to essential self-care. Their first product, Akina Care, is a gamified virtual physiotherapy solution for independent musculoskeletal therapy at home.
Founder and CEO Florian Haufe on their vision and motivation to partner with RESC: “In healthcare, a large network and interaction with key stakeholders is extremely important. Here, we can benefit from the vast experience and contact base of the RESC. In addition, the RESC shares our bold vision of empowering rehabilitation patients through a gamified digital healthcare solution. We are excited to launch this partnership.”
Oliver Stoller, Executive Director of RESC says “Akina aims to close a crucial gap in rehabilitation, as motivation and feedback are essential factors for therapy adherence and successful long-term care. Their innovative approach of connecting healthcare to the existing multimedia market has high potential to revolutionise at-home therapy and further rehab services.”
The ETH Competence Centre RESC is a nexus of expertise from academia, hospitals, industry, government, healthcare, disability organisations, and other NPOs. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and participation of people with physical disabilities; thus, contributing towards a more inclusive society. RESC promotes exchange, interdisciplinary research projects, innovative education programmes, and knowledge transfer.